Burnley boss welcomes new chairmen

Chris Boden

CLARETS boss Eddie Howe has welcomed the election of joint-chairman in John Banaszkiewicz and Mike Garlick.

The duo, both existing members of the board of directors, thave taken over with immediate effect, after Barry Kilby resigned his post last Friday to focus on his health.

Both are Burnley fans, and Howe is looking forward to working with the pair: “I think it’s a good move.

“Both are very passionate about the club and are excellent business men, so I’m sure it will work well.

“They are both different personalities, but stable characters and that is really important.

“Barry has done a fantastic job, and he will be hard act to follow, but I have a good relationship with John and Mike.

“I get on well with both of them and we share the same ambition of bringing success to the football club.”

Garlick was born in Burnley, and went to Burnley Grammar School.

He joined the board in October 2006, and is the managing director of MBA Ltd, a London-based IT consultancy.

Nelson-born Banaszkiewicz is the most recent addition to the board, joining in November 2010, and is managing director of Freight Investor Services Ltd.

Garlick said on the appointment: “On this occasion, I believe that one plus one equals three. There is a greater synergy through two people combining their resources in terms of brainpower, knowledge and financial support.

“We aim to make the club stronger and give us a better chance of success in the future.

“Ultimately, we want to win trophies and drive the club forward.

“We also want to carry on the spirit of openness with the supporters that was embraced by Barry Kilby, and keep the lines of communication open.”

Banaszkiewicz added: “I am honoured to have been elected as co-chairman of Burnley Football Club.

“I am committed to working with Mike to continue the progress the board has made and bring success to the club in future.

“We are one of the league’s oldest clubs and I believe together we can strike a balance between supporting our local community and building Burnley FC as a global brand.”

Meanwhile, while Howe braces himself for the loss of Jay Rodriguez, he continues to look to bring players in.

He has missed out on Portsmouth utility man Joel Ward, who has joined Crystal Palace, but he remains keen on Leeds United midfielder Adam Clayton, while Bristol City striker Brett Pitman is also a target.

Howe said: “There are a few things bubbling under the surface, and hopefully we can bring in the ones we want.”

Meanwhile, Josh McQuoid, who made 17 appearances for Burnley while on loan from Millwall over the second half of the season, has rejoined former club Bournemouth in a deal which has seen 21-year-old left back Scott Malone go the other way.

Howe had said at the end of his loan: “He’s one that we like. He’s a really good team player – he thinks of the team ahead of himself.

“I’ve got nothing but good things to say about Josh, so wherever his career takes him we’ll certainly keep an eye on him and wish him well.”

And Howe added: “It’s a good move for Josh, he did well for us, playing from a wide position when I feel he is best as a centre forward.